We recently connected with Nikki Rung and have shared our conversation below.
Nikki, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.
Taking a risk?! Oh this is definitely taking a risk. There is no guarantee in gig life- its risky. You just have to keep putting one foot in front of the other and keep pitching yourself to EVERYBODY! Sometimes I feel like I’m crossing that line but I think everyone close to me now knows that I will not pass up an opportunity to share with anyone that will listen to me about what I do. I carry business cards with me all the time…. *just in case!* I happen to get into a conversation with someone that might be interested in what I do. Is that taking a risk though? I think it is because Im constantly putting myself out there with the intention of gaining another person’s trust that I might be just what they are looking for. I never know if a kid I run into at the grocery store is a potential fan or someone who might enjoy having me come out for their birthday or something! I want to take the risk and put myself in a position that I can be confident and know that what I do when I am on a stage or in a classroom is GOOD enough.
Nikki, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I am proud to be a black woman who performs music for children!From the time I was a young girl, I have known that music is where I find my HAPPY! I grew up on Peter, Paul & Mary, Raffi, and Disney music. My parents encouraged me to audition for the local children’s choir, that was an awesome introduction to singing well and in public. Not to mention, the director also offered voice lessons, much to my excitement! I found my favorite summer activity in going to Musical Theater camp and Music Camp- at least 9 summers were taken up between the two. I sang in a Gospel Choir for 12 years. I competed in Vocal Music competitions, was the Student Director of our high school chorus and had the lead in a few musicals while in high school. I sang on the bus to and from Speech & Debate competitions, while warming up for lacrosse games, while cleaning my room and babysitting neighborhood kids. After college, I worked as a professional nanny for nearly 15 years… and I sang. ALL! THE! TIME! My nanny kids had songs that had become synonymous with me caring for them. The looks on the faces of small children when they hear a song that excites them makes my heart swell! I have found a couple difference avenues to do this- as Nanny Nikki I became nominated for the Grammy® Awards in 2021 with the album I was a part of with the One Tribe Collective called “All One Tribe.” This album is a special collaboration with songs from 23 other artists and it’s a celebration of Black musicians, children, and families. Additionally, I have been working with Niki Spears to help her promote her books for the past few years and we have just started a new venture together called Positive Kids Today!Positive Kids Today is on a mission to inspire and empower young minds to discover the good in themselves and others. Through a unique blend of lessons and music, we create a magical learning experience that fosters kindness, curiosity, and a love for life. I have a few other irons in the fire but nothing that I’m able to announce quite yet! However, you can bet it will be musical and positive and something to do with kids!
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The flexibility of be an independent creative person means that no day is EVER the same and my brain LOVES that! I love that I can adapt my responses to the needs of my audience. I love that I can block out time to be with my family when I need to or just want to. I love that I can be my own, intentional, genuine self when I am engaging directly in real time with young people and bringing my message of joy through music!
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
Dig deeper to find things for your children to watch, listen to and read. There is a PLETHORA of good stuff out there made by independent artists just waiting to be unearthed! I have music, videos out already and some books coming! I have many friends that have independently published books, music and so much more and it is GREAT stuff! Look beyond the “big box” tv channels and streaming services and you will find some true gems!!!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.nannynikkimusic.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nannynikkimusic/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nannynikkimusic/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nannynikkimusic/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/c/NannyNikkiMusic
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/nanny-nikki-music-fox-lake?osq=nanny+nikki
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4PpVyNXXqA5P9e7letrpAx?si=bW_xH_c2RJiFPLxXLHL8eQ https://www.positivekidstoday.com https://www.facebook.com/PositiveKidsToday https://www.instagram.com/positivekidstoday/?hl=en